How Many Papers will be there in the UPSC 2024 Exam? Demystifying the Selection Process

Posted on : 02 January, 2024 16:19

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Service Examination (CSE) 2024- often referred to as the "UPSC 2024" - is India's most prestigious competitive exam, attracting millions of aspirants every year. With such immense competition, it's natural to have numerous questions, one of the most common being: How many papers are in the UPSC 2024 exam?
Understanding the exam structure is crucial for any aspirant, and it all starts with knowing the number of papers you'll need to tackle. So, let's break it down.

UPSC 2024 Exam Phases and Paper Count:

The UPSC CSE 2024 is a two-stage process:

Preliminary Examination:

This first stage consists of two objective-type papers, each carrying 200 marks. They are:

General Studies Paper-I: Covering Indian history, geography, polity, economy, current affairs, and science & technology.
General Studies Paper-II: Assessing logical reasoning, analytical ability, quantitative aptitude, and comprehension.

Mains Examination:

Only those who clear the prelims qualify for the Mains, which comprises nine papers, with varying weightage and qualification criteria:

General Studies Paper-I: Indian History
General Studies Paper-II: Indian Geography
General Studies Paper-III: Indian Polity
General Studies Paper-IV: International Relations
General Studies Paper-V: Indian Economy
General Studies Paper-VI: Science & Technology
Optional Paper-I: Chosen from a list of 27 optional subjects
Optional Paper-II: Chosen from the same list as Paper-I, if applicable
Essay Paper: Assessing writing skills and expression

Additional Points to Note:

Qualifying Papers: Two language papers (English and another Indian language) are also part of the Mains, but they are qualifying in nature. You only need to score at least 25% in each.
Total Marks: The total marks for the UPSC CSE 2024 are 2750, with the Mains contributing 1750 marks.
Previous Year Question Papers: Accessing previous year UPSC question papers, both prelims and mains, is highly recommended for understanding the exam pattern, types of questions asked, and syllabus weightage.

Beyond the Numbers: Preparing for UPSC 2024

While knowing the number of papers is important, remember that the UPSC CSE 2024 demands well-rounded preparation and dedication. Focus on understanding the syllabus, developing critical thinking skills, and consistently refining your knowledge base. Practice mock tests, analyze your performance, and seek guidance from mentors and experienced individuals.
Remember, it's not just about the number of papers you conquer; it's about demonstrating your potential to become a competent and capable civil servant. So, arm yourself with knowledge, dedication, and a strategic approach, and ace the UPSC 2024!